Getting the drum sound

Now that you've placed all the microphones and experimented with different positions…and approaches, it's time have a listen to see what we have.…Here is the best way to do a sound check on the drums.…For each drum that you're checking have the drummer do a steady slow beat on that drum…only at about one hit per second.…You don't want it hit too quickly because you want to hear the decay of the sound.…Let's start with the kick drum. (music playing)…Have the drummer begin with even hits on the kick drum about a second apart, so you can hear the decay.…

Check that there are no overload or peak indicators lit.…Then raise the level of the kick in the monitors to a moderately loud level.…Check that the sound isn't distorting, and there are no crackles or loud mechanical noises from the kick.…If there is see if you can isolate that unwanted sound and try to eliminate it.…Try changing the mic cable first since that's usually where the problem is.…If the drum doesn't sound right, try moving the mic to change the sound before you do anything.…

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Released

10/24/2012

Discover the industry secrets to recording crisp, rich instrument tracks and vocals in any type of recording environment. Join renowned audio engineer Bobby Owsinski as he walks through the process of miking and tracking a complete song by Underground Sun recording artist Iyeoka and A-list session musicians in a top-of-the-line studio—in a way that is applicable to any recording space and musical genre. Learn how to select the correct microphone and polar pattern for each instrument, with hundreds of revealing listening examples for drums, acoustic and electric guitar, piano, keyboards, and more. These professional techniques offer critical insights for those just getting started in the recording process, and a trustworthy reference guide for more seasoned engineers. Bobby also demonstrates how to monitor and sculpt EQ settings, why and when to process your input signal, and how to choose the right outboard gear for the track. This course employs 360-degree, 3D visualizations that provide an unprecedented perspective of the equipment, players, and microphone placements discussed. Plus, with the raw audio files provided, you can critically listen to every recorded example at home with your DAW of choice at full 24-bit resolution.